I picked up a lathe a few weeks ago for a song off craigslist (1960’s craftsman with a 40 inch cutting area and tools included for about $100) and I have been watching a few videos as to how to cut correctly [something about riding the bevel :)]. I’ve been using builder grade 2×4s glued together because I have them around and I wouldn’t want to destroy anything expensive before figuring out what I am doing.

The problems I have been having are catching wood and ripping chunks of wood out, the entire piece of woodflying past my head, the lathe loosening up after the tool catches the wood, and all smaller details come out VERY rough.

Other then maybe not starting out learning the lathe by trying to make a baseball bat (seemed simple at the time, haha), anyone have some advice for a new lathe user?

-- Mat

27 replies so far

Sharp tools, a little higher RPM’s than you would normally think and stay away from the skew chisel for a while. There are three folks to follow on YouTube- Carl Jacobson, Brian Havens and Captian Eddy.

Unless you are knocking the corners off to get it somewhat rounded, you need to go slow and take very, very light cuts until it’s roughed out. I use 2x material a LOT to make faceplates/glue blocks, and if you just throw them on there square, it takes a bit of patience to get them round. I will usually at least make them octogonal on the bandsaw first before turning, which helps a lot. Oh, and I turn most of them just using an old screwdriver sharpened on a belt sander :)

Cheers,Brad

-- Brad in FL - To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid

Not sure where you live but do yourself a big favour and find a woodturners club in your area. At best they will offer a basic course at worst they will have mentors. Either way it will save you time, money and blood. Don’t underestimate how badly you can get hurt with a lathe. Google AAW and they will have a listing of clubs near you. Stay safe.

Construction lumber will tear out and break off easier than hard woods, so it’s good in that respect for practice. Once you can get a good finishing cut on pine, hard woods will be a breeze. Crank up the speed, keep your tailstock tight checking it often, and take light cuts.

There are a couple of clubs in your area. I looked at your home page and inboxed you. Taking a class or joining one of the clubs and getting mentored is the easiest way of learning. You also learn different ways of executing things and finding what works best for you.

Go to your local AAW woodturning club. Bad habits are harder to break than learning the correct way first.

- KYSean

Not sure where you live but do yourself a big favour and find a woodturners club in your area. At best they will offer a basic course at worst they will have mentors. Either way it will save you time, money and blood. Don t underestimate how badly you can get hurt with a lathe. Google AAW and they will have a listing of clubs near you. Stay safe.

- Bmezz

There are a couple of clubs in your area. I looked at your home page and inboxed you. Taking a class or joining one of the clubs and getting mentored is the easiest way of learning. You also learn different ways of executing things and finding what works best for you.